CARLSBAD, Calif. – Life Technologies has launched its MicroSEQ E. coli O157:H7 assay, designed to detect the deadly strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli), using the company's real-time PCR technology. The company also announced the assay has secured Performance Tested Methods certification from the AOAC Research Institute for detection of E. coli O157:H7.

Long considered the gold standard for pathogen detection, culture-based assays can take up to five days to yield results. The MicroSEQ E. coli O157:H7 detection assay is highly specific and sensitive and can be run in as little as eight hours.

"Food companies and food-testing organizations are seeking validated tools to help safeguard the public from organisms such as E. coli O157:H7," said Dr. Sharon Brunelle, technical consultant, AOAC Research Institute. "Life Technologies has demonstrated that the MicroSEQ E. coli O157:H7 Detection Kit performs as well or better than the I.S.O. and U.S.D.A. reference methods for a variety of foods, earning Performance Tested Methods certification from the AOAC Research Institute."

The AOAC Research Institute focuses on the development, use and harmonization of validated analytical methods and its validation is important for food safety. The certification of the MicroSEQ E. coli O157:H7 detection assay means the assay meets the stringent pathogen detection requirements of many companies and testing organizations responsible for safeguarding food supplies.